As I am writing this, the hotel workers, Unite Here Local 5, are on strike for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Some of our members have participated on the picket lines, and we recently sent a band to play at the Local 5’s action at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We received words of appreciation from Local 5 and the people on the lines and for the concert on the beach. Thanks go out to these musicians for making some glorious noise and boosting our presence in the community of unions, which is ultimately the community of working people trying to make a living in this expensive paradise.
In other news:
Diamond Head Theatre is going strong and has a new contract with wage increases over the next four years. Mahalo to the Negotiation Committee members Jason Byerlotzer and John LeBlanc (co-chairs and chief negotiators), with help from Robert Shinoda, Brien Matson, and yours truly.
The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra’s Gala fundraiser was a huge success. The orchestra performed, and this year, the Hawaii Youth Symphony participated in a side by side with the orchestra. Congratulations to all for a job well done.
Studio 909 is cooking with events by our members. We send out info on what’s happening. You can also call (808) 596-2121 to find out who’s playing or to see about hosting your own event.
The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) continues to fund concerts and live stream events, call Secretary-Treasurer Robert Shinoda for information on how you can secure an MPTF gig.
All for now, and in thisissue, there is more information on events at Studio 909 and MPTF-sponsored concerts.
In Solidarity,
James F. Moffitt
From the Fall 2024 issue, Ke Ola O Na Mele